Last relics of this Kentucky line, which quit in 1929, showing what a difference a simple shelter makes:

http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?j ... ave.KY.jpg

http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?j ... ave.KY.jpg

Bob -

I made a stop at the Cave late last month and was impressed with the little Baldwin built 0-4-2 and the coach. Nice plaque explaining the railroad and some other information on the site about it. Wish I knew though, how much of the right-of-way survives (if any) and if there are any other artifacts remaining. Also, why this equipment was saved at all. BTW, the line apparently used link and pin couplers right to the end.

Les

From Kentucky Rails to Trails:
http://www.kyrailtrail.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=180

The Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail. Barren and Edmonson Counties. Construction on the final two segments of the Mammoth Cave Bike and Hike Trail is in progress. The first two segments (5 miles) were dedicated September, 2005, and are in use. When completed the four segments will follow the old Mammoth Cave Railroad track from I-65 at Park City, KY, to the Mammoth Cave Hotel, a distance of approximately 10 miles. Surface is crushed gravel.

It uses as much of the abandoned grade from the Mammoth Cave Railroad grade as possible. The Mammoth Cave Railroad carried passengers and freight between the main L&N line at Park City, Kentucky and Mammoth Cave from the 1880s until about 1930. About 40% of the grade was obliterated by highway construction in the 1960s. The trail will be able to use most of the remaining grade. It will extend from the Mammoth Cave Hotel, where Engine #4 and a combine coach are displayed at the original terminus, to connect with the existing trail system in Park City to the original junction. Interpretive signs will be part of the project.

The project consists of four segments. National Park Concessions, Inc. donated $608,000 toward construction of the trail. The funding for segments 1 and 2 is uncertain at this point. Henry Holman, Management Assistant in the Mammoth Cave National Park is the co-chair of the project along with Jim Carroll, Chief of External Programs. Other persons involved are Mark Rich as the project manager for construction, and Steve Kovar as the park Facility Manager. Contact Henry Holman at 270-758-2187, 270-758-2349 fax, Henry_Holman@nps.gov. Photos on the KRTC website. 10/05.


Wesley

Given the good condition of the engine and coach, it doesn't look like a job done by the typical Jaycee or Boy Scout group. Thus I wonder if perhaps some trail or other funds were used to hire a professional for the train restoration?

Actually the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven Kentucky, through a member who owns an industrial services company did the cosmetic restoration of the locomotive and combine.

He and his employees strictly followed the NPS guidelines for the project and did a very good job. One of the most impressive aspects of the restoration was the straightening of the combine by adjusting the truss rods.

The combine is interesting because I believe each wheel set is from a different maker. The car also has vaccum brakes on it.

According to Ghost Railroads of Kentucky by Elmer Sulzer, the 4 was chosen to make the last run to the cave just before the opening of the park. It was said that the 4 was in the best shape, as the steam dummies had been out of service for several years, replaced by a small bus on rail wheels. Because of the removal of the passing siding at the cave, the 4 never made the last "run around" and was displayed tender first for many years. This was recitified when the locomotive and combine were placed back on display.